Mets' Mickey Callaway escapes disaster with miracle win vs. Dodgers

Mets skipper makes questionable decisions, but team still pulls off win

Sep 9, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway (36) in the dugout prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports (Gregory Fisher)

Do the Mets have a miracle finish in them? If ever there was a night to believe such a thing, this was it.

A bases-loaded double in the eighth-inning by a bit player like Rajai Davis, turning a 0-0 tie into a 3-0 win over the mighty Dodgers, was evidence in itself.

In truth, however, the belief should come from the machinations that put Davis up at the plate for the decisive at-bat.

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Mickey Callaway explains decision to pull Jacob deGrom after seven

Mets ace, skipper on same page in 3-0 win vs. Dodgers

By Nick Wojton | Sep 14 | 11:36PM

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Jacob deGrom meant business on Saturday.

He's still looking for his first-career regular season win against the Los Angeles Dodgers as he didn't get the decision, but that hardly mattered. He was the winner in the Mets' 3-0 win against the Dodgers at Citi Field.

But at 101 pitches, deGrom was yanked from the game after seven innings.

Davis smashed game-winning double vs. Dodgers on Saturday

By Nick Wojton | Sep 14 | 10:57PM

Rajai Davis left Citi Field a hero on Saturday. The Mets won 3-0 against the Dodgers thanks to Davis' clutch pinch-hit double in the eighth inning.

The moment was huge. The Mets hadn't had a base runner since the third inning and then they had the bases juiced in the eighth as Todd Frazier and Brandon Nimmo were hit by pitches and Amed Rosario was walked by Dodgers pitcher Julio Urias.

Due up was Seth Lugo, but Mets skipper Mickey Callaway opted for Davis and his rip down the left field line turned that into a game-winning choice. Following the contest, Davis said he's hoping Callaway opts for similar decisions in the near future.

Five Takeaways from Saturday's game

1) Rajai Davis, the hero we all expected. In what went down as the Mets' final at-bat, the 38-year-old vet was called off the bench and delivered as a pinch hitter in the eighth. Both Todd Frazier and Brandon Nimmo were hit by pitches to start the rally, then Amed Rosario walked to load the bases. Due up was pitcher Seth Lugo, but skipper Mickey Callaway subbed in Davis, a righty hitter against lefty hurler Julio Urias. Battling through the plate appearance, fouling off two pitches, Davis pulled a double to left field, which cleared the bases, scoring all three base runners.

The Mets (76-71, 3.0 GB in Wild Card race) continue their three-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers (96-53, 20.5 GA in NL West) on Saturday night at 7:10 p.m.

Mets Notes

After being held out of Friday's starting lineup, Pete Alonso is back in the starting nine on Saturday, batting fourth. ... Mets starter Jacob deGrom leads the NL with a 2.20 ERA since May 22. ... The Mets have matched a franchise record with four players hitting at least 20 home runs. JD Davis currently stands at 19. ... Seth Lugo has given the Mets 13.0 straight scoreless inning out of the pen, dating back to August 17.

Before the Mets' continued their three-game series over the weekend with Saturday's 7:10 p.m. matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers at Citi Field, they made a couple of corresponding moves to the 40-man roster.

New York selected the contract of LHP Donnie Hart from Triple-A Syracuse, the team announced, and designated RHP Eric Hanhold for assignment as a result.

Handhold had not yet pitched for the Mets in 2019, spending the bulk of his season between Triple-A Syracuse (39 games) and Double-A Binghamton (nine games), making 48 appearances between the two with a 5-4 record and 3.84 ERA.

After Noah Syndergaard, the Dodgers opened up a 9-2 rout on the bullpen

By Garrett Stepien | Sep 14 | 11:39AM

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1-on-1 with Phil Regan00:04:12

SNY's Steve Gelbs talks with Mets pitching coach Phil Regan about being back in the big leagues and working with the Mets staff

When the Mets pulled RHP Noah Syndergaard (10-8, 4.15 ERA) after his 5.0 innings of four strikeouts and two walks were plagued by a four-run fourth inning in which he allowed Gavin Lux's three-run home run, New York's bullpen was called on by manager Mickey Callaway to keep the narrow deficit intact.

But as has been the case all season long, the team's biggest weakness surfaced once again.

Los Angeles piled on five more runs throughout the final four frames and pulled away for the Dodgers' 9-2 win in the weekend series opener Friday at Citi Field, leaving Callaway with a simple response when asked about the Mets' bullpen.

Four-run fourth inning derailed Syndergaard's start

By Alex Smith | Sep 13 | 11:54PM

Mickey Callaway and Noah Syndergaard on Syndergaard's performance and the Wilson Ramos controversy.

Through the first three innings of Friday's game between the Mets and Dodgers, Noah Syndergaard looked to be at the top of his game, allowing just two hitters to reach base while striking out four.

But in the fourth inning, Syndergaard made a pair of mistake pitches that ultimately handed him his eighth loss of the season in the Dodgers' 9-2 victory.

With one away, Cody Bellinger walked, followed by a Corey Seager single. AJ Pollock then sharply grounded a ball up the middle, just out of the reach of Robinson Cano, scoring Bellinger and tying the game.

Then came the big blow. On a 3-2 pitch, Syndergaard left a curveball up in the zone, and Gavin Lux didn't miss it, crushing a three-run shot to center field that hit just about the orange line, giving the Dodgers a 4-1 lead.

Mets Takeaways from Friday's 9-2 loss to the Dodgers, including a tough outing for Noah Syndergaard

The Mets are now 3.0 GB for the second Wild Card

By Colin Martin | Sep 13 | 10:33PM

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Dodgers rout Mets00:01:11

Clayton Kershaw improved to 10-0 lifetime vs the Mets and Gavin Lux hit a three-run HR as the Dodgers routed New York, 9-2

The Mets offense struggled against Clayton Kershaw in their 9-2 loss to the Dodgers on Friday night at Citi Field. >> Box score

Five Takeaways from Friday's game

1) Noah Syndergaard lasted just 5.0 innings after allowing four earned runs on five hits. All four runs were scored in the fourth inning, including a three-run homer from Gavin Lux. It was Lux's second career home run, and the 15th that Syndergaard has allowed at Citi Field this season... he's given up a total of 20 home runs on the year.

WATCH: JD Davis' 19th home run gives Mets early lead vs. Dodgers

Mets-Dodgers highlights

Sep 13 | 7:54PM

J.D. Davis gets the Mets off to a quick 1-0 lead with a solo HR off Clayton Kershaw in the 1st inning

JD Davis got the Mets' night started with a bang.

As the Mets begin another critical series with the Dodgers, Davis helped the Mets begin on the right foot, slamming a first-inning solo shot off of Clayton Kershaw to give the Mets an early 1-0 lead.

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Noah Syndergaard will pitch to Wilson Ramos as Mets start series with Dodgers, Friday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY

Mets are currently 2.0 GB in Wild Card race

By Colin Martin | Sep 13 | 4:52PM

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Sep 8, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard (34) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

The Mets (76-70, 2.0 GB in Wild Card race) start a three-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers (95-53, 19.5 GA in NL West) on Friday night at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

Mets Notes

The Mets are coming off a 11-1 win on Thursday that completed their four-game sweep of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Juan Lagares was the star of the day, as he hit two home runs, including his first-career grand slam. Todd Frazier, Robinson Cano, Tomas Nido, and Michael Conforto all homered as well, setting a team record with six total home runs. Pete Alonsowill get the day off, after going 0-for-5 with three strikeouts on Thursday.

Jacob deGrom still lined up to start potential Wild Card Game for Mets

The NL Wild Card Game takes place on Oct. 1

With the Mets 2.0 games out of the second Wild Card spot with 16 games to go, Jacob deGrom remains lined up to start the Wild Card Game on Oct. 1 should New York make it.

The rotation right now in order has deGrom at the top, followed by Zack Wheeler, Steven Matz, Marcus Stroman, and Noah Syndergaard.

DeGrom will start next on Saturday against the Dodgers, and if the Mets keep him on an every-fifth-day schedule -- which he has been on over the last month -- his final start of the regular season will be on Sept. 25 against the Marlins at Citi Field.

Dunn was traded to Mariners along with Jarred Kelenic in the Edwin Diaz/Robinson Cano deal

Former Mets prospect Justin Dunn struggled badly in his first major league start for the Mariners on Thursday night, failing to get out of the first inning while throwing far more balls than strikes.

Dunn opened the game by walking the bases loaded, with many of the pitches nowhere near the strike zone. After allowing a sacrifice fly, he walked the next two batters before allowing a second sacrifice fly and walking one more batter. He was then removed from the game.

Overall, Dunn allowed two runs on no hits while walking five and striking out none in 2/3 of an inning. He threw 37 pitches (24 balls and 13 strikes).

Scouts weigh in on Jeff McNeil's power surge for Mets

McNeil has hit 13 home runs since July 14, despite missing 10 days

A month ago a handful of the Mets' top scouts were watching a high school All-Star game at Long Beach State in California, the home field of one Jeff McNeil in college, and in that setting they couldn't help but marvel at the transformation of their former 12th-round draft pick.

"Jeff didn't hit a home run in his entire college career," Mets' scouting director Marc Tramuta said by phone, "so we're sitting there wondering if there has ever been a player with zero home runs in college who might hit 20 in a big-league season.

"Then the same bunch of us were texting about it when it happened (Wednesday night). It's crazy."

ICYMI: Here's what happened Thursday in Mets Land

The Mets annihilated the Diamondbacks to keep pace in Wild Card race

Sep 12, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets second baseman Joe Panik (2) low fives New York Mets center fielder Juan Lagares (12) after he hit a grand slam home run during the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports (Gregory Fisher)

The Mets (76-70, 2.0 GB of second Wild Card) open a three-game series against the Dodgers at Citi Field on Friday at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

Here's what happened on Thursday, in case you missed it....

The Mets' offense erupted for a second straight day and Marcus Stroman turned in his best start since being acquired in an 11-1 win over the Diamondbacks on Thursday afternoon that secured a four-game sweep >> Read more

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Mets prospect Q&A: LHP David Peterson, who can be big league rotation option in 2020

David Peterson is a left-handed pitcher who was the Mets first-round pick, No. 20 overall in the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of Oregon.

In 2019, Peterson spent the entire season with Double-A Binghamton, where he went 3-6 with a 4.19 ERA in 116 innings pitched. He is the most advanced starting pitching prospect remaining in the system, and it's a very good possibility you see him starting some games for the Mets sometime in 2020.

I spent a few minutes with Peterson when I visited Binghamton, where we talked about where he started to where he is now.

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Marcus Stroman after his best start with Mets: 'I battle and compete'

The RHP got his second win since being acquired from Toronto

By Colin Martin | Sep 12 | 5:46PM

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Callaway confident in team00:01:31

New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway explains that the way the Mets are playing shows they can compete with any team right now.

The righty allowed just one earned run on four hits and struck out six during his 6.1 innings of work. He earned just his second win with the team since being acquired from the Toronto Blue Jays at the deadline in July.

"To be honest with you, my confidence doesn't waver regardless," Stroman said. "I don't hold onto a good win, I don't hold onto a bad loss, truly. I let it go and focus on five days after."

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Juan Lagares' huge day at the plate leads Mets to crucial win over D-backs

Outfielder's first career grand slam broke the game open

By Alex Smith | Sep 12 | 5:43PM

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Callaway confident in team00:01:31

New York Mets manager Mickey Callaway explains that the way the Mets are playing shows they can compete with any team right now.

"It's Juan Lagares Day at Citi Field!"

Gary Cohen's words from the SNY booth captured the feeling Mets fans everywhere, as Lagares helped lead the Mets to an 11-1 win over the D-backs, completing a huge four-game sweep with major Wild Card implications.

Lagares, who has struggled at the plate in his limited playing time this season, broke out in a huge way. He went 2-for-4 at the plate, with both hits being home runs. His grand slam in the bottom of the third inning, the first grand slam he can ever remember hitting in his life, broke the game open early, giving the Mets a 6-0 lead.

Mets Takeaways from Thursday's 11-1 win over Diamondbacks, including the Juan Lagares show

As New York erupted offensively, Marcus Stroman had his best start as a Met

The New York Mets smack 6 HRs and coast to a 11-1 victory over the Diamondbacks and complete the series sweep.

The Mets' offense erupted for the second straight game as they beat the Diamondbacks, 11-1,on Thursday afternoon at Citi Field to sweep their four-game series >> Box score

Five Takeaways from Thursday's game

1) The Mets' offense erupted for a second-straight day, as Juan Lagares blasted two homers -- including a grand slam that ballooned the Mets' lead from 2-0 to 6-0 -- and Todd Frazier homered again. The Mets hit six homers overall, with Robinson Cano, Tomas Nido, and Michael Conforto also going deep, making Thursday the first time in franchise history that the Mets hit five or more homers in back-to-back games. The six homers were the most the Mets have ever hit in a game at home.

The 24-year-old Smith was recently transferred from the 10 to 60-day IL, meaning he won't be eligible to return to the active roster until Sept. 25. And DiComo notes that Smith hopes to return that day.

The Mets (75-70, 2.0 GB in Wild Card race) finish their four-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks (75-71, 2.5 GB in Wild Card race) on Thursday afternoon at 1:10 p.m. on SNY.

Mets Notes

The Mets have won three straight games and six of their last 10. ... The Mets now have 10 shutout wins this season, the seventh most in baseball. ... As a team, the Mets are hitting .278 with 19 home runs during the month of September.

DeGrom is facing competition from Max Scherzer and others

Mets ace Jacob deGrom is one of the top contenders to win the 2019 NL Cy Young. If he does, it would give him back-to-back Cy Young awards -- making him the first Met to ever accomplish that feat. Here's where things stand in the race...

Jacob deGrom, Mets

Key stats: 2.70 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, 231 K's (11.4 per 9) in 183 IP (29 starts), 6.5 WAR (FanGraphs), 5.9 WAR (Baseball Reference)Last start: Allowed one run on three hits while walking one and striking out 11 in 7.0 IP against the Diamondbacks on Sept. 9.Next start: Sept. 14 vs. DodgersTrending: UP, while returning to dominant form against the Diamondbacks after two straight starts where he allowed four earned runs

Alonso had the cleats made after being rebuffed on plan to wear first responder hats

MLB will not be fining or disciplining Pete Alonso and/or the Mets in any way for the custom cleats commemorating 9/11, which they wore without permission during Wednesday night's game, a source told SNY's Andy Martino.

Alonso decided to have the custom cleats made after being rebuffed by MLB on his initial plan for the Mets to wear custom first responder hats during the game.

"It was just a little gift from me to my teammates," Alonso said after the game. "I'm really happy that everyone wore the shoes, because we could have gotten fined for it," Alonso said. "I'm really just happy that everyone was behind me and stuck with this. You don't have to be a baseball fan, I hope the general population appreciates this."

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Pete Alonso wanted Mets to wear first responder hats in-game on 9/11, was told no by MLB

'I think it's kind of sad that guys weren't allowed to'

After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, the Mets -- in defiance of Major League Baseball -- played all of their remaining games wearing hats representing all of the different city agencies that were first responders that day.

The Mets have been told no by MLB in the years since about wearing the hats during games on Sept. 11, including in 2011 when they wanted to wear the hats on the 10th anniversary of the attacks.

"We're just trying to keep it consistent," MLB executive vice president of baseball operations Joe Torre told The Associated Press at the time. "Certainly it's not a lack of respect. It's just something we feel is the right thing to do."

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ICYMI: Here's what happened Wednesday in Mets Land

The Mets won on an emotional night at Citi Field and are now just 2.0 games back of the Wild Card

SEE IT: Pete Alonso orders Mets custom cleats honoring 9/11 victims

The rookie took it upon himself to honor victims and family members

By Alex Smith | Sep 11 | 11:03PM

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso explains his motivation behind honoring 9/11 victims and why it meant so much to him.

Pete Alonso is having one of the most memorable individual seasons in Mets' history, but on Wednesday night, Alonso did something perhaps even more special.

Many of the Mets were seen taking the field on Wednesday night against the D-backs wearing custom cleats that honored those who lost their lives on September 11th, 2001, including the first responders.

All of this was orchestrated by the Mets' rookie, who came up with the idea for the team to honor 9/11 victims on the tragedy's 18th anniversary. Though he initially wanted to create custom hats, he pivoted to cleats to avoid what he called "red tape" from Major League Baseball.

Mets Takeaways from Wednesday's 9-0 win vs. D-backs, including plenty of power

Mets shutout D-backs with nine runs on 11 hits on 9/11

By Nick Wojton | Sep 11 | 10:25PM

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Mets beat D-Backs 9-000:01:27

The New York Mets smack 5 HRs and cruise to a 9-0 victory over the Diamondbacks and jump them in the Wild Card standings.

The Mets smoked the Diamondbacks at Citi Field on Wednesday in a 9-0 outing, a game which also included 11 hits from New York. >> Box score

Five Takeaways from Wednesday's game

1) Todd Frazier and Brandon Nimmo got the Mets off on the right foot on Wednesday.

Amed Rosario doubled and stole third base and scored on a Wilson Ramos ground out. Then the fireworks started. A single by JD Davis scored Jeff McNeil, who was hit by a pitch, then Frazier cracked a two-run home run to bring the early score to 4-0. The Mets weren't done there though, as Nimmo hit his fifth home run to add another run on the very next pitch. Because of the damage, D-back started Robbie Ray only lasted 0.2 innings on the mound for the D-backs.

WATCH: Bobby Valentine and Todd Zeile recount their experiences of the September 11th tragedy

The former Mets recall the day 18 years later

Sep 11 | 8:08PM

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Bobby V, Zeile reflect on 9/1100:04:14

Former New York Mets manager Bobby Valentine and infielder Todd Zeile recount their experiences of the tragic events of September 11th.

Bobby Valentine and Todd Zeile were both part of the Mets in 2001, when the team returned to Shea Stadium for the first game played in New York following the terrorist attacks of September 11th.

The former mananger Valentine and third baseman Zeile recalled their emotions from that day 18 years ago.

"It was a blur. I remember the feeling, I remember the fear, the confusion," said Valentine. "I remember the heartache in every eye that you looked into. ... It was a real different world for about two weeks for us, and it's been a real different world for 18 years for many."

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Terry Collins named Mets senior advisor for player personnel

Collins managed the team to a World Series appearance in 2015

By Alex Smith | Sep 11 | 5:51PM

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New York Mets manager Terry Collins calls for a pinch hitter after an apparent injury to third baseman Wilmer Flores during the fourth inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. (Troy Taormina/USA TODAY Sports)

Terry Collins is taking on a new role with the Mets, but don't expect to see him in the dugout any time soon.

Collins, who has served as a special assistant to the GM since retiring from coaching in 2017, will be back with the team as a senior advisor for player personnel, first reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post and confirmed by SNY Insider Andy Martino.

Collins, of course, managed the Mets for seven seasons from 2011-17. He coached the team to an overall record of 551-583, and just two of his seven seasons produced winning records.

His time as the Mets' skipper is most remembered for the 2015 season, when the Mets won 90 games and made their first World Series appearance since 200 before falling to the Royals in the Fall Classic.

Neck-and-neck battle for Wild Card spot continues

Sep 11 | 5:20PM

The Mets (74-70, 3.0 GB in Wild Card race) continue their four-game series with the Arizona Diamondbacks (75-70, 2.5 GB in Wild Card race) on Wednesday night at 7:10 p.m. on SNY.

Mets Notes

After Tuesday's win, the Mets are now 6-4 in their last 10 and 28-15 overall in their last 43 games. ... Pete Alonso continues to be on pace to break Aaron Judge's single-season rookie home run record (52 in 2017) with 18 games remaining. ... Jeff McNeil's .322 batting average is currently the eighth highest mark in the MLB and the fifth highest in the NL.

Mets outfielder Michael Conforto is under team control through the 2021 season, after which he is eligible for free agency. So would he consider signing long-term before then if the team approached him?

"I think that is always on players' minds, they want to have that security and I know I am going to be under their control for the next two years so it's kind of something that during the season, it's not something I really want to talk about," Conforto told Mike Puma of the New York Post on Tuesday. "When we get into the offseason and kind of leading up to spring training, I guess those conversations will be had, but I love it here and I would love to continue to play here."

Aside from locking up Jacob deGrom this offseason -- two years before he would have hit free agency -- the Mets have not extended any of their young core players lately.

With 18 games to go, here's the Mets' path to the Wild Card

It will take help, but the road to October is not unrealistic

Sep 9, 2019; New York City, NY, USA; New York Mets center fielder Brandon Nimmo (9) and New York Mets right fielder Michael Conforto (30) hi five to celebrate the victory after the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports (Gregory Fisher)

In addition to picking up 3.0 games in the standings, the Mets also need to leapfrog four teams -- Cubs, Phillies, Brewers and Diamondbacks -- in order to land in the Wild Card game.

The Mets' remaining schedule includes two games against the Diamondbacks, followed by playing the Dodgers, Rockies, Reds, Marlins and Braves. Unfortunately, out of the above teams, the Mets have only beaten up on Miami, have struggled against the Dodgers and Braves, and have played mostly even with the Rockies and Reds.

To be fair, the Mets have been performing much better than earlier in the season. Plus, 12 of their final 18 games are at Citi Field (including their final seven of the season). They are 40-29 at home, 34-41 on the road.

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WATCH: Keeping up with Mets GM Brodie Van Wagenen

Sep 11 | 1:28PM

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Keeping up with Brodie00:02:04

Brodie Van Wagenen chats about the approach the Mets took at the MLB trade deadline, on Keeping Up With Brodie, presented by Verizon

Brodie Van Wagenen chats about the approach the Mets took at the MLB trade deadline, on Keeping Up With Brodie, presented by Verizon.

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The time is coming to resolve the Mets' exhausting Noah Syndergaard situation

Small incidents have added up to create an unsustainable dynamic

Standing next to Noah Syndergaard on Tuesday afternoon, you noticed his downcast eyes and slow, careful tone. He was trying to parse questions about his relationship with the Mets organization and he just looked...exhausted.

Come to think of it, we're all fairly beaten down by now by the trickle of news about unpleasant moments between the team and a player who was once its most marketable star.